The barbaric procedure of cat declawing is still legal in the USA. It is illegal here in the UK. It is classed as animal cruelty, and has a massive fine or 1 year in prison for doing it. It has many detrimental effects on cats. They need their claws to scratch themselves, build up their muscles by stretching, defend themselves, climb, and balance. Declawed cats suffer mental problems. They are 3 times more likely to bite as they feel threatened because they can't defend themselves. The operation doesn't just remove their claws, it removes their toe bones, much like us having our fingertips cut off. They suffer pain, anxiety, and it affects their whole quality of life. There are plenty of cat accessories available to buy that encourage them to scratch on them. But to be honest, if your furniture is more important to you than the health and happiness of your family pet, then you should NOT get one. Pets are family, not fashion accessories. Would you declaw a dog because it digs in your garden? No. So why put a gorgeous, loving ,trusting kitty through this pain. I'm seriously ill, and my kitty is my lifeline. She cuddles me, and is a massive comfort to me. So she shreaded my sofa. So what. I love her.